How to Tell if Your Tesla Has Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability: A Comprehensive Guide
So you're wondering if that sleek Tesla in front of you, or perhaps one you're considering buying, is equipped with the highly coveted Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability? It's a common question, as FSD isn't a standard feature on all Teslas and can significantly impact the vehicle's value and driving experience. Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to uncover whether a Tesla is truly "FSD-enabled." Are you ready to become a Tesla FSD detective? Let's dive in!
Step 1: The Quickest Check - Via the Tesla Touchscreen
The most straightforward way to determine if a Tesla has FSD is to interact directly with the car's infotainment system.
Sub-heading 1.1: Accessing the Software Menu
Get Inside the Vehicle: First things first, you need to be inside the Tesla and have access to its large center touchscreen.
Tap the Car Icon: On the bottom left of the touchscreen, you'll see a small car icon. Tap on this to bring up the main controls and settings panel.
Navigate to "Software": Look for a section on the left-hand side, usually near the bottom, labeled "Software". Tap on it.
Sub-heading 1.2: Identifying FSD Capability
Once you're on the Software screen, you'll see details about the car's current software version. This is where the magic happens!
Look for "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included Package": If the vehicle has FSD purchased outright, you will clearly see text that says "Full Self-Driving Capability - Included Package" or something very similar.
Check for "Full Self-Driving Capability - Expires on XXX XX, 20XX": If the car has an active FSD subscription, it will typically show "Full Self-Driving Capability - Expires on [Date]".
Beware of "Autopilot Computer: Full Self-Driving Computer": Don't be fooled by text like "Autopilot computer: Full Self-Driving Computer." This only indicates that the car has the necessary hardware to support FSD, not that the software package is activated or purchased. Many Teslas come with the FSD computer hardware but require a separate purchase or subscription to unlock the FSD features.
What if it just says "Autopilot"? If you only see "Autopilot" listed without any mention of "Full Self-Driving Capability," then the car only has the standard Autopilot features (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer) and does not have FSD.
Step 2: Exploring the "Autopilot" Menu for Feature Confirmation
Beyond just seeing the "Software" screen, you can also verify FSD by checking for its specific features within the Autopilot settings.
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing Autopilot Settings
Tap the Car Icon: As in Step 1, tap the car icon on the bottom left of the touchscreen.
Navigate to "Autopilot": Look for the "Autopilot" section in the left menu and tap it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Identifying FSD Features
Within the Autopilot settings, you'll find a list of available driver-assistance features.
Look for Advanced Features: If FSD is enabled, you'll see options beyond basic Autopilot, such as:
Navigate on Autopilot: This feature guides the car from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, including interchanges and suggesting lane changes.
Auto Lane Change: Allows the car to change lanes automatically when the turn signal is engaged.
Autopark: Automatically parks the car in parallel or perpendicular spots.
Summon / Smart Summon: Moves the car in and out of tight parking spaces, or even navigates a parking lot to find you.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: The car will recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs.
Autosteer on City Streets: This is the most defining FSD feature for city driving, allowing the car to navigate intersections and make turns.
If you see these advanced features listed and they are available to be toggled on (or already on), then the Tesla almost certainly has FSD capability.
Step 3: Utilizing the Tesla Mobile App (If You're the Owner or Have Access)
If you're the owner of the Tesla or have access to the associated Tesla account, the mobile app provides another convenient way to check.
Sub-heading 3.1: Checking via the Main Screen
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Scroll Down: On the main screen, once your vehicle is loaded, scroll down. You should see a section that indicates the software version and whether Full Self-Driving is present. It might say "Full Self-Driving Capability" or "FSD (Supervised)".
Sub-heading 3.2: Checking via the "Upgrades" Section
Tap "Upgrades": In the Tesla app, tap on the "Upgrades" section.
Tap "Software Upgrades": Within "Upgrades," select "Software Upgrades."
Look for FSD: Here, you'll see if Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is listed as an owned package or if there's an option to subscribe to it. If it's already on the car, it will indicate that it's "Included."
Step 4: Confirming Hardware Version (Important for Full FSD Experience)
While the software features are what define FSD capability, understanding the underlying hardware is also crucial, especially for optimal performance and future updates. Tesla has evolved its FSD computer hardware over time (HW2.0, HW2.5, HW3.0, and now HW4.0/AI4).
Sub-heading 4.1: Checking the Autopilot Computer Type
On the Touchscreen: Go to
Controls>Software.Tap "Additional Vehicle Information": On the "Software" screen, you'll usually find an option for "Additional Vehicle Information." Tap this.
Identify "Autopilot Computer Type": Here, it will display the specific hardware version, such as "Full Self-Driving Computer" (which generally refers to HW3.0) or "Hardware 4" (AI4).
Sub-heading 4.2: Visual Cues for Hardware 4.0 (AI4)
For newer Teslas, you might be able to visually distinguish Hardware 4.0 (AI4) from previous versions.
Red Camera Lenses: Teslas equipped with Hardware 4.0 often have cameras with a subtle red tint to their lenses. This is most noticeable on the front-facing cameras.
Production Date: Vehicles manufactured after mid-2023, especially Model S and Model X, are more likely to have HW4.0. For Model 3 and Model Y, the rollout has been more staggered, but newer production dates increase the likelihood. You can find the production date on the label inside the driver's door or in the Tesla app under "Vehicle Details."
While not strictly necessary to confirm FSD software presence, knowing the hardware version is valuable for understanding the car's full capabilities and upgrade potential.
Step 5: Understanding FSD Purchase vs. Subscription
It's vital to differentiate between purchasing FSD outright and subscribing to it monthly.
Sub-heading 5.1: Outright Purchase
Permanent Feature: If FSD was purchased outright, it's a permanent software license tied to that specific vehicle. It typically stays with the car if it's sold (though Tesla has offered limited-time FSD transfers to new vehicles in the past).
Higher Initial Cost: This involves a significant upfront payment.
Sub-heading 5.2: Monthly Subscription
Flexible Access: Owners who didn't purchase FSD upfront can subscribe to it monthly. This offers flexibility to enable or disable the feature as needed.
Lower Monthly Cost: The monthly cost is significantly less than the outright purchase, but over many years, it can exceed the purchase price.
Hardware Requirement: The vehicle must have the FSD computer (HW3.0 or above) to be eligible for a subscription. If it doesn't, a hardware upgrade might be required, which is usually not included in the subscription fee.
Knowing whether FSD is purchased or subscribed is important, especially if you're buying a used Tesla. A subscription can be canceled by the previous owner, whereas a purchased FSD package should transfer with the car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Tesla FSD, starting with "How to":
How to check if a used Tesla has FSD?
Follow the steps in "Step 1: The Quickest Check - Via the Tesla Touchscreen" and "Step 2: Exploring the 'Autopilot' Menu" on the vehicle's touchscreen. This will tell you if FSD is currently enabled on the car.
How to tell if my Tesla is eligible for FSD subscription?
Your Tesla must have the Full Self-Driving computer (HW3.0 or above). You can check this under
Controls>Software>Additional Vehicle Information. If you have the necessary hardware, you can usually subscribe via the Tesla app under "Upgrades."
How to know the difference between Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and FSD?
Basic Autopilot: Standard on all new Teslas; includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer (lane keeping).
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP): A paid upgrade that adds Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon.
Full Self-Driving (FSD): The top tier, including all EAP features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, and Autosteer on City Streets.
How to confirm which FSD hardware version my Tesla has?
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go to
Controls>Software>Additional Vehicle Information. Look for "Autopilot Computer Type" which will specify "Full Self-Driving Computer" (HW3.0) or "Hardware 4."
How to activate FSD features once purchased or subscribed?
After purchase or subscription, your vehicle will likely need a software update. Once updated, go to
Controls>Autopiloton your touchscreen. You'll then see the FSD features available to be enabled.
How to transfer FSD to a new Tesla?
FSD transferability is typically offered by Tesla for limited periods and under specific conditions, usually when purchasing a new Tesla from the company. It's not a standard feature of FSD. Check Tesla's official website or your local Tesla advisor for current transfer programs and eligibility.
How to understand FSD (Supervised) vs. future "true" FSD?
Current FSD is officially "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," meaning the driver must remain attentive and ready to take over at all times. Tesla aims for "true" self-driving (Level 4 or 5 autonomy) in the future, where driver intervention would be minimal or unnecessary in defined operational domains, but this is not yet commercially available.
How to subscribe to FSD using the Tesla app?
Open the Tesla app, tap on "Upgrades," then "Software Upgrades." If your vehicle is eligible, you'll see the option to subscribe to Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and can complete the process there.
How to cancel an FSD subscription?
You can cancel your FSD subscription directly through the Tesla app. Go to "Upgrades" > "Manage Upgrades," find Full Self-Driving (Supervised), and tap "Cancel."
How to check the cost of FSD, either purchase or subscription?
The purchase price for FSD varies and has changed historically; it's currently around $8,000 USD (as of early 2025, but prices can fluctuate). The monthly subscription price is currently around $99 USD per month. Check the Tesla website or the "Upgrades" section in your Tesla app for the most up-to-date pricing in your region.
